They said their new plan - Pfeiffer calls it the "Disappearing Real Property Owner Law" - would remove the burden from law-abiding landlords and place it squarely on those causing the problem in neighborhoods hit by high rates of foreclosure.

Out-of-town, often out-of-state investors have been buying up foreclosed properties in Columbus and other Ohio cities in hopes of selling them eventually for a profit. But city officials have had trouble finding these owners to force needed repairs or maintenance.

Under the new proposal, code violations filed against hard-to-find property owners would be bumped up to first-degree misdemeanors. That level of a crime carries a 10-day jail sentence and a $1,000 fine.

If the property is owned by a partnership or other business, the fine would be $5,000.

"It's not the intention to burden those already doing a good job," Pfeiffer said yesterday after a council hearing in which property owners said other proposed regulations would have made things worse in struggling neighborhoods.

They worried in particular that a potential rule requiring owners to post signs on vacant houses that could be seen from the street would simply become an advertisement to potential squatters or thieves.

Others worried that a proposed $100 charge to register a vacant house would apply if a landlord is between tenants or a homeowner is trying to sell.

"We viewed it as a hindrance for people to even invest in the community," said Gavin Blair, legislative director for the Columbus Board of Realtors.

Both ideas were stripped out of the plan, which was reduced from six pages to two paragraphs.

"We didn't want it to cost people more for following the law," Tavares said.

People attending yesterday's hearing applauded when Pfeiffer read the new proposal. Tavares said she'll host another hearing before submitting the legislation to the full City Council.